Stamford's Harbor boat parade surges into its 8th year

Christina Hennessy

Updated 2:44 pm, Friday, November 29, 2013

Photo: File Photo

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Decorated boats make their way to Stamford Landing in Stamford, Conn., from Czesick Marina, as part of the annual boat parade on in 2012. The eighth annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights returns Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 at 6 p.m. along Stamford Harbor. For more information, visit www.stamfordboatparade.com. less

Decorated boats make their way to Stamford Landing in Stamford, Conn., from Czesick Marina, as part of the annual boat parade on in 2012. The eighth annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights returns Saturday, ... more

Photo: File Photo

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Boats take part in the first annual parade of illuminated boats in Stamford, Conn. Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights returns for its eighth year on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at 6 p.m., along Stamford Harbor. For more information, visit www.stamfordboatparade.com.

Boats take part in the first annual parade of illuminated boats in Stamford, Conn. Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights returns for its eighth year on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at 6 p.m., along Stamford Harbor. For

Maria Buzzo, of Old Greenwich; Kelly Paterson, of NYC; and Jess Dunn, of Stamford, wave to onlookers from the deck Bruce Wardell's gingerbread themed boat during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. less

Maria Buzzo, of Old Greenwich; Kelly Paterson, of NYC; and Jess Dunn, of Stamford, wave to onlookers from the deck Bruce Wardell's gingerbread themed boat during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Bruce Wardell, of Old Greenwich, hugs Greg Muller, of Stamford, after docking his boat at the Crabshell Restaurant during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. less

Bruce Wardell, of Old Greenwich, hugs Greg Muller, of Stamford, after docking his boat at the Crabshell Restaurant during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Bruce Wardell, of Old Greenwich, decorated his boat with a gingerbread theme during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. less

Bruce Wardell, of Old Greenwich, decorated his boat with a gingerbread theme during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Bruce Wardell, of Old Greenwich, displays a gingerbread theme on his boat during 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. less

Bruce Wardell, of Old Greenwich, displays a gingerbread theme on his boat during 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Max Hutter, of Greenwich, smiles from aboard the Fjord Fisheries boat during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. less

Max Hutter, of Greenwich, smiles from aboard the Fjord Fisheries boat during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Lights on the David Steers tugboat reflect off of the water during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. Steers, the owner of the boat, is a resident of Cos Cob. less

Lights on the David Steers tugboat reflect off of the water during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Michael Macari, 10, of Norwalk, and Jonathan Greco, 7, of Norwalk, sit on a bench at the Crabshell Restaurant, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the boat parade during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. less

Michael Macari, 10, of Norwalk, and Jonathan Greco, 7, of Norwalk, sit on a bench at the Crabshell Restaurant, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the boat parade during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Lights on the David Steers tugboat reflect off of the water during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. Steers, the owner of the boat, is a resident of Cos Cob. less

Lights on the David Steers tugboat reflect off of the water during the 6th annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights to benefit Toys for Tots and the Young Mariners Foundation at Harbor Point in Stamford on ... more

Photo: Amy Mortensen

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Jan Hansen's tugboat 'David Steers' will once again lead a parade of boats decked out in holiday decor and lights Saturday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m. at Stamford Harbor. To join the parade, or find out more about the event, visit www.stamfordboatparade.com. less

Jan Hansen's tugboat 'David Steers' will once again lead a parade of boats decked out in holiday decor and lights Saturday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m. at Stamford Harbor. To join the parade, or find out more about the ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

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It will be 'Toyland' on the water this weekend, when the sixth annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights takes to the waters of the harbor's east and west branch. The event, which begins at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26, will feature decorated boats, live entertainment and plenty of holiday cheer. less

It will be 'Toyland' on the water this weekend, when the sixth annual Stamford Harbor Parade of Lights takes to the waters of the harbor's east and west branch. The event, which begins at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Stamford's Harbor boat parade surges into its 8th year

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It's likely you will find Santa in his sled by Christmas, but don't be surprised if you find him sitting back a bit this upcoming weekend on a boat, or maybe even atop a motorcycle.

The eighth annual Parade of Lights will return to Stamford Harbor on Saturday, Nov. 30, and organizers expect plenty of bright lights, costumed characters and good cheer.

"When we put this together eight years ago, we just wanted to do it to have some fun," said Stamford resident Dick Gildersleeve, who conceived the event along with Andy Liljequist.

The sentiment has remained a driving force behind the event, which has grown since inception, increasingly attracting fans over the years to spots all along the East and West branches of the Stamford Harbor, including Czescik Marina (where the route begins); Harbor Point, a waterfront development project; Harbor Drive; Kosciuszko Park; the boardwalk of the Avalon on Stamford Harbor housing complex; and the boardwalk at the Stamford Landing Marina, where the Crab Shell Restaurant is located.

As in other years, the parade will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Charity "Toys for Tots" and the Stamford-based Young Mariners Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of low-income students. All spectators are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for the drop-off bins at the restaurant, which Gildersleeve co-owns.

Bearing gifts is just part of the ride Richard Lucherini and his friends have planned for the evening. Lucherini, who is co-owner of the Wedge Inn and Dairy Queen, has been working with fellow Stamford residents Frank Russo Jr. and Tony Casubolo to pull together a parade of motorcyclists donned in their finest holiday costumes to make the trek from Dairy Queen to the Crabshell. He said the motorcade should begin at about 5:30 p.m.

Lucherini said the idea began last year when Russo, on a whim, put on a Santa outfit and began to ride around downtown Stamford a few days before Christmas.

"It made a big impression," he said, laughing.

It was Casubolo, Lucherini said, who proposed swelling the ranks of revelers and joining forces with the parade organizers.

"We'll be decorating our bikes ... and every biker will be bringing a toy," said Lucherini, who added that Santa will be there, too. "We've asked a bunch of guys if they want to ride, so we are hoping there's a big turnout that night."

As for the show on the water, organizers expect about 20 boats, though more could show up that evening, particularly if the weather is good. The boats largely come from Fairfield County, but a few from Huntington, N.Y., have signed up, too. The route stretches from the East branch to the West branch, ending just north of the restaurant.

As has been the tradition, Jan Hansen's tugboat, the David Steers, will lead the parade.

Hansen said it takes a full two days to assemble the lights and other decorations, but the effort is worth it.

"It's always a lot of fun," he said.

Gildersleeve also expects Greenwich resident and WABC-TV weatherman Bill Evans to be in the pack with his boat, and then do double duty as the announcer of the winning boats, all of which receive gifts courtesy of the Soundview Millworks. The after-party, with live music, takes place at the restaurant.

Gildersleeve also has some multitasking in his future. In addition to being one of the organizers, he's also a participant.

"We'll soon be getting the lights up," he said of plans to decorate his boat, Midnight Ramble, which will be stationed in front of the Crab Shell. "Hopefully, it will get people thinking about the parade."